Kevin Switzer score seven wins at Scarborough

Kevin Switzer, Jr. wins with Art Of Illusion, one of his seven winners on the day

Photo by Michael Newman

Saturday, June 07, 2014 (Scarborough, Maine) - Kevin Switzer, Jr. served notice in the early going on Saturday that something special was about to happen at Scarborough Downs as the man in the blue and black colors pummeled an imposing driving colony into submission as he claimed the first of seven wins on the eleven race card.

Switzer's prodigious performance was all the more remarkable considering that it was the most scores secured by a single driver since Water Case, Jr. grabbed 8 victories back in 1995. It also included top tallies in both Invitational events carded on the program.

"Walter Case was always a driver I idolized growing up," Switzer remarked. "He had a talent to keep horses alive and it's great to be mentioned in his company. I had a little luck to go around combined with a little bit of talent, and I benefited from driving some good horses."

Sky Keeper, took top honors in the 2nd edition of the $10,000 Triple Crown Trot, demolishing an eight-horse field by multiple lengths in a lifetime-equaling 1:58. The win marked the fourth of the season for the six-year-old son of Lockkeeper who is owned by Irwin Kaplin of Merrick, NY. This newcomer to the PineTreeState has forged his way to the forefront since joining the Bo Sowers stable after shipping in from the tough Saratoga circuit.

Wolf's Milan (Eddie Davis, Jr) was a hard charging second while Neverdie (Michael Cushing) claimed the show dough.

Trainer Bo Sowers, utilizing the lightning-hot Switzer in the sulky, claimed the third of four wins from his roster on Saturday in the $10,000 renewal of the fabled Dirigo Pace with the classy veteran Art Of Illusion. Quick to the lead and to never look back, the son of Real Artist soared to victory timed in 1:53.2, the fourth fastest clocking ever recorded in the history of Scarborough Downs. A relative newcomer to the local scene since being acquired by owner David MacDonald of Halifax, NS, Art Of Illusion extended his undefeated streak in Maine to four-in-a-row with the impressive score.

Burkentine Hanover (Drew Campbell) was second with Western Victory (Wallace Watson) rallying for third.

"I thought I had a good shot with both of these horses today," Switzer reflected. "I want to thank Bo and Tammy Sowers for giving me some great horses to drive today and I want to thank my family for always standing behind me."

Kevin Switzer, Jr. now moves into second place in the driver's leaders board with 46 wins, trailing Drew Campbell by three top tallies.

Live racing returns to Scarborough Downs on Thursday with a 4:30 post time; the summer schedule is Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 4:30 pm and the Sunday matinee at 1:05 pm.